Third Generation Yamaha Active Field Control to Launch At InfoComm 2012

LAS VEGAS—Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. will launch the new AFC3 hardware for its Active Field Control systems. The new product will be on display at InfoComm 2012, booth #10340. The AFC3 features an updated system-processing unit that will dramatically enhance the capabilities of the system. The unit includes a new expansion card with dedicated FIR processing, resulting in the third generation AFC3 hardware and software providing significant advances in system performance and cost reductions for most AFC system applications.

Active Field Control is a reverberation enhancement system that adjusts and enhances the acoustic characteristics of a facility while preserving the natural characteristics of a performing arts venue, house of worship, or theatrical venue. This is achieved by creating feedback loops of microphones and speakers located in the reverberant field of the room to “recycle” the reverberant energy, thus extending the RT time. Yamaha AFC is used to create varying RT settings to suit different performance applications within the same facility. The system can be used to add spaciousness to under balcony or stage areas so all audience members and performers can enjoy the same sense of connection to the music and a greater shared experience. AFC systems can also be used to add early reflections or as crowd enhancements systems.

The AFC3 processor supports transfer of FIR calculations of AFC processing to dedicated hardware. The new AFC-FIR processor card can be mounted in the AFC3 processor, and in addition to handling the processor-intensive FIR calculations, the card also provides four AES inputs for system microphone channels.

Yamaha AFC3 systems are more cost-effective than current AFC2 systems, reducing most system hardware requirements by at least one processor unit. Freeing up on-board DSP resources will allow a single processor unit to perform both input and output processing functions. While previous AFC2 systems required a minimum of two processors, one for input processing and one to provide up to 16 channels of output processing, the new AFC3 system and AFC-FIR card can provide both input processing and from 4 to 22 channels of output processing in a single unit.

Additionally, the new AFC3 system provides over 120 times the number of FIR taps, making it possible to extend a room's natural RT much further than previously possible while still sounding natural and realistic for a maximum RT of ~3x the room's natural RT (venue dependent). The system allows for changes to be made at the push of a button, allowing room acoustics to change instantaneously.

“With increasing pressure on facilities to become more multi-purpose, the Yamaha AFC3 provides a cost-effective alternative to the mechanical means of modifying acoustics,” states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “With Yamaha DSP technology, AFC3 enables our customers a cost-effective solution that easily enhances the acoustic environment of a given installation and delivers a significant advancement in system performance, all with a small set of core devices.”

The Yamaha AFC3 processor and AFC-FIR processor card will be available summer 2012.

For more information on the Yamaha AFC3 and AFC-FIR, visit Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. at InfoComm 2012, booth #C10340, or on the web at www.yamahaca.com.

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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. Yamaha is the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.